I need to make a mousetrap car for my physics class. I have to make it so that it can stop, but I won't know at what distance until the testing day. How should I do it?
make your car, then calibrate on test runs the windup needed for specified distances. Then when you are given the distance, you know exactly how much to wind it up.
Ok. But the mousetrap is powering the car, so it will always have the same amount of power. we are supossed to come up with a way to make the car brake at a certain distance.
To make a mousetrap car that can stop at a variable distance, you can consider using an adjustable braking system. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve that:
Materials you will need:
1. Mousetrap
2. Wheels and axles
3. String or thread
4. Cardboard or lightweight material for the body
5. Braking mechanism materials (such as rubber bands, wooden dowels, or popsicle sticks)
6. Hot glue or other adhesive
7. Optional: additional materials for decoration
Instructions:
1. Start by designing and constructing the body of your mousetrap car using lightweight materials like cardboard. Keep the design simple and streamlined for better performance.
2. Attach the wheels and axles to the body, ensuring they rotate smoothly.
3. Place the mousetrap at the rear end of the car, positioning it in a way that when triggered, it pulls the string or thread.
4. Attach the string or thread to the arm of the mousetrap and extend it towards the front of the car, threading it through a series of pulleys or simply tying it to the front axle.
5. To create an adjustable braking system, you can attach a rubber band, wooden dowel, or popsicle stick to the string or thread, providing a friction mechanism against the wheels.
6. Experiment with different lengths or materials for the braking mechanism. This will allow you to adjust the tension and pressure applied to the wheels, resulting in different stopping distances.
7. Test the car by winding the mousetrap, setting it off, and observing the stopping distance. If it doesn't stop within the desired range, adjust the braking mechanism accordingly.
8. Fine-tune the braking system until you achieve the desired stopping distance.
Remember, it's essential to test your mousetrap car multiple times and make adjustments along the way to optimize its performance. Additionally, ensure that your design adheres to any specific guidelines or constraints provided by your physics class. Good luck with your project!